Tang Dynasty: To win Yang Guifei, they asked Emperor Xuanzong to die.

Inside the East Palace.

Li Heng and Gao Shi are making close preparations for defense.

"Your Highness, we need to keep a close eye on Prince Shou's actions," Gao Shi said.

Li Heng nodded slightly, secretly calculating in his heart, "His eyes are sharp, he should be taking action. However, we also need to guard against his sudden actions."

A confidential report was handed to Li Heng. He unfolded it, read it, and frowned. "It seems that there are more unsettling factors."

Gao Shi asked, "Should we increase the number of troops?"

“That’s right, we must strengthen border patrols and intercept any possible threats,” Li Heng decisively ordered.

Amidst the busy atmosphere on all sides, somewhere in the imperial court, Imperial Censor Wei Jiansu was also drawn into this silent battle.

"Your Majesty, regarding the disturbances in the North and South, I believe that, while ensuring the safety of Chang'an, we should strengthen intelligence gathering to ensure absolute security," Wei Jiansu suggested.

Li Longji nodded in agreement, "Minister Wei's suggestion is excellent."

“We need to maintain the stability of the central command and deploy defenses on the periphery to ensure security,” Zhang Jiuling echoed.

Meanwhile, far away on the border, An Lushan was plotting a new scheme.

"General, the situation is developing as expected according to our plan," An Sishun reported in a low voice.

“That’s not enough. We need more powerful leverage,” An Lushan sneered. “As long as we apply the right amount of pressure, we can definitely break through the bottleneck.”

An Sishun continued his planning, "Then, should we intensify our defenses and control over the north?"

“That is certainly crucial,” An Lushan said thoughtfully. “Continue to dig out more clues for me, and report back immediately if there is any movement.”

……

As dawn broke, Yang Guozhong, the governor of Jizhou, secretly reported: "Recent negotiations in the south have revealed signs of potential cooperation with the Prince of Shou's residence."

"Lord Yang, this is something to be wary of." Li Longji's expression showed slight worry.

"Your Majesty, I fear that if this matter is not dealt with promptly, it could easily escalate into a major crisis," Li Shizhi advised.

Li Longji's thinking shifted, "We must take timely control and seize information sources to ensure the initiative."

As the situation in the court became increasingly delicate, Li Mao's predicament became more and more difficult, but he knew that he had no way out.

"Your Highness, they are stepping up their defenses. What should we do?" Afu asked again.

"Strengthen communication and proceed according to plan." Li Mao remained calm, his thoughts gradually becoming clearer.

Just then, another secret report was delivered to Li Mao.

The moment the secret report was received, a sense of unease arose in my heart.

This secret report described in detail a force that had emerged in a certain part of the south and was suspected of being closely linked to the unusual activity in the north.

"Your Highness, this intelligence seems simple, but it actually hides a crisis," Afu said softly, standing beside him.

The letter in Li Mao's hand trembled slightly. He tossed it onto the table beside him and said in a deep voice, "It seems that the other party is not just testing us, but has really come prepared."

General Feng appeared slightly anxious. "The key issue now is that the other side might be trying to undermine our strength from within. We must take immediate action to counter this."

Li Mao's mind raced. After a moment's thought, he said, "Let's stabilize the situation first. We must neither act rashly nor defend ourselves blindly."

Afu interjected, "Your Highness, why not stabilize the south while further consolidating the northern defenses and strengthening the intelligence network to expand surveillance of surrounding forces?"

Li Mao nodded in agreement, "Be wary of their infiltration from the periphery. We also need to find out the background and motives of this force as soon as possible."

No sooner had he finished speaking than hurried footsteps came from outside the door. The door opened, and his advisor Qiu Tianqi rushed in, looking flustered.

"Your Highness, something terrible has happened! News has come from the southwest that someone seems to be secretly inciting them to rebel," Qiu Tianqi reported urgently.

Li Mao's heart skipped a beat, and his brows furrowed. "It seems the situation is more complicated than we imagined. It's not just a test, but a major move."

"These incitements must be stopped immediately, or the situation will deteriorate further," General Feng said firmly.

Li Mao realized the seriousness of the situation and, after a moment's thought, decided to "immediately send men to disrupt the situation, cut off the connections between these people, and prevent them from forming a united force."

"Yes, Your Highness, we will take care of it immediately." Qiu Tianqi acknowledged the order and withdrew.

"Afu, make arrangements to contact Xianglan again; news about her in the palace is becoming increasingly important."

Li Mao decided to immediately intensify the collection of internal clues.

"Yes, Your Highness, I will make the arrangements immediately." Afu accepted the order and set off.

Soon after, Xianglan's reply arrived.

She revealed that the palace ministers had become aware of certain movements at the Prince Shou's residence. They not only frequently mentioned it during meetings, but also suggested strengthening surveillance of the residence.

After reading it, Li Mao became even more vigilant. "It seems that we not only have to deal with external challenges, but we also cannot let our guard down when it comes to the palace."

General Feng agreed, "Yes, we need to be more careful in our actions and try not to give ourselves away."

Li Mao felt an even greater pressure looming over him.

He knew that the current situation was no longer a simple military confrontation, but a complete reshuffling of the power structure within Chang'an and even the Tang Dynasty. He could not afford to make the slightest mistake.

"We must ensure the stability of both the northern and southern fronts while gradually dismantling these forces attempting a counterattack," Li Mao said resolutely. "Furthermore, we must maintain close contact with reliable allies. They will be our support in times of crisis."

“Your Highness, although this is a risky undertaking, if successful, it will certainly solidify your position and lay the foundation for the long-term stability of the Tang Dynasty,” General Feng said, expressing his unwavering belief.

However, just as all measures were being implemented in a tightly organized manner...

Li Mao couldn't help but think of his father, Emperor Li Longji, and Crown Prince Li Heng.

Just as he was lost in thought, Afu returned from outside, looking hurried.

"Your Highness, there's something unusual going on in the court. The ministers are discussing the Prince Shou's residence intensively, and it seems someone has suggested limiting your power," Afu whispered.

Li Mao's heart skipped a beat. After taking a deep breath, he made up his mind: "It seems that someone wants to take this opportunity to suppress my power to control the local area. We must not sit idly by and wait for our doom."

"So, Your Highness, what should we do next?" General Feng asked immediately.

Li Mao's gaze was firm. "Let's wait and see how things develop for now, while accelerating the implementation of various plans to gain the upper hand."

"In addition, keep in touch with Xianglan; she is an important source of information for us to understand the situation within the court," Li Mao continued to instruct.

Everyone accepted the order, their hearts taut with anticipation.

Li Mao returned to his study alone, where a dense array of intelligence reports lay spread out before him.

He frowned and pondered, trying to unravel a hidden clue.

Soon after, Afu entered, bringing some new information: "Your Highness, Xianglan from the palace has sent word that an unfamiliar minister, Xu Qi, has been active in court recently. He seems to have some insights into the situation of the Prince of Shou's residence."

Upon hearing this, Li Mao's heart stirred. "Who is Xu Qi, and what is his motive?"

“It is said that Xu Qi was recommended from the local area and has always been good at planning. He is now trusted by the Emperor,” Afu replied. “He is good at analyzing situations, but his family is poor. Perhaps there is an opportunity to win him over.”

A glint of anticipation flashed in Li Mao's eyes. "Let's find an opportunity to test them out. If they are someone we can use, we might as well give it a try."